Surge XT vs Sylenth1
Surge XT
surge-synthesizer.github.ioSylenth1
lennardigital.comSide by side
| Figure | Surge XT | Sylenth1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €9.95/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.3 (#9) | 7.7 (#18) |
| Effects | The effects architecture has 16 units arranged as scene inserts, sends and master effects, with 27 listed algorithms plus Airwindows effects. | Its master section includes an arpeggiator and distortion, phaser, chorus/flanger, equalizer, delay, reverb, and compressor effects. |
| Filters | The filter section provides two filter units in eight configurations, with feedback available in seven configurations. | It includes two four-stage filter sections with nonlinear saturation and drive control. |
| Modulation | Surge XT provides 12 LFO units, DAHDSR envelopes, step sequencing, MSEG modulation up to 128 nodes and Lua-based formula modulation. | The product page lists two ADSR envelopes, two LFOs, two additional amplitude envelopes, and modulation sources including velocity, keyboard track, and modulation wheel. |
| Oscillators | Each scene has three oscillators with 12 algorithms including wavetable, FM, string, Twist, noise and audio-input modes. | It has four unison oscillators, each capable of eight stereo voices, for up to 32 voices per note. |
| Support | The FAQ directs users who need help to the Surge Synth Team Discord help channel. | The support page directs users to the manual and provides a support request subject selector and a link to the LennarDigital forum. |
Plans
Sylenth1
- Sylenth1 installment plan€9.95 a month
- Sylenth1 full version€139, paid once
In their own words
Surge XT
Surge XT is a free, open-source virtual instrument plugin and hybrid synthesizer for making music. Each patch has two scenes that can be layered or split, and each scene has three oscillators with 12 algorithms, including wavetable, FM, string, and audio input. Its listed library includes over 2,800 patches and over 700 wavetables. Other features include 12 LFO units, flexible modulation routing, and 16 effect units with 27 algorithms. Performance support includes MPE, Scala and MTS-ESP microtuning, and Open Sound Control. Surge XT runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with plugin formats varying by platform: CLAP and VST3 on Windows; AU, CLAP, and VST3 on macOS; and CLAP, LV2, and VST3 on Linux. It primarily needs a DAW or another compatible host, though a standalone executable is available. Version 1.3.4 is identified as the stable release for normal production use. The software is licensed under GPL3.
Sylenth1
Sylenth1 has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.